Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, who is seeking a second term in the Aug. 28 election, picked up an endorsement Tuesday from the local chapter of the Alabama Democratic Conference. (The Huntsville TImes/Bob Gathany)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle has picked up another key endorsement in his bid for re-election.

The Madison County chapter of the Alabama Democratic Conference, the state's black political caucus, announced Tuesday that it is siding with Battle in the Aug. 28 election.

Battle is being challenged by former Mayor Loretta Spencer and Jackie Reed, a city government watchdog and Speakin' Out News columnist.

In District 1, which covers northwest Huntsville and parts of downtown, the ADC endorsed incumbent City Councilman Richard Showers and incumbent school board member Laurie McCaulley

The group sided with software engineer Carlos Mathews over Breland Companies executive Mike Culbreath for the District 5 school board seat covering the city's west end. Incumbent Alta Morrison is not seeking re-election.

ADC Chairman Eddie Sherrod said Huntsville, under Battle's leadership, came through the recession in much better shape than most cities. And the group likes Battle's initiatives for creating new jobs in cyber security and green power.

"We rode out (the recession) pretty well without any devastation," Sherrod said Tuesday. "We don't think Mayor Battle has done anything so detrimental to the community that we should run him off.

"If it's not broke, don't try to fix it."

Battle also earned kudos from the group for asking the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to review a new state law requiring the Huntsville Housing Authority to disclose its real estate purchase plans at least three weeks before entering into a binding contract.

"We're the only county in the state that has that type of legislation," said Sherrod.

Tuesday's announcement by the Alabama Democratic Conference gives Battle a sweep of the major endorsements announced so far in the mayor's race. The Huntsville Education Association, Fraternal Order of Police and New South Coalition are also supporting Battle for a second term.

The Committee of 100, Huntsville Firefighters Association and Huntsville-Madison County Builders Association are expected to announce their endorsements in the coming days.

Richard Showers

Sherrod said ADC believes Showers has earned a seventh City Council term, even though the group did not support his recent votes to reinstate two police officers fired for excessive use of force.

"We have some things we're concerned about," said Sherrod, "but we don't think we have a candidate who can do a better job than Dr. Showers.

"He's been pretty stable, and we feel like he will speak for the interests of the people in the community."

Sherrod said ADC enthusiastically endorsed McCaulley over Reginald "Reggie" Hill, Pat King and Gwen Ragland for District 1 school board. McCaulley, the current board president, is seeking a second term.

"She's a great young administrator and board member who has exceeded anybody's expectations," said Sherrod. "Although she has a district to represent, Laurie is concerned about the well-being of kids throughout the city."

ADC officials interviewed all the candidates for mayor, City Council and school board on Aug. 6. The group has about 275 members in Madison County.